Re-edit photographers photos?

Ok, so I had a free session with a photographer (who happens to be my friend). I like the pictures but I want to edit them. I wouldn’t do much to much to it, basically just edit my blemishes so my skin looks clearer. I don’t want to edit and post it because I don’t want to hurt his feelings. I’m thinking of editing... show more Ok, so I had a free session with a photographer (who happens to be my friend). I like the pictures but I want to edit them. I wouldn’t do much to much to it, basically just edit my blemishes so my skin looks clearer. I don’t want to edit and post it because I don’t want to hurt his feelings. I’m thinking of editing it and asking him what he thinks of it. If he doesn’t like it, I’ll post the unedited one because it is his work after all. However, just by asking him makes me worried that he’ll think that I didn’t like his work. And, the fact is that I just simply want to get rid of my blemishes. I did a trial and the before and after pic don’t look drastically different other than the fact that my skin looks nicer. What should I do?

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It''s a difficult situation you find yourself in, hoping to have your image(s) re-touched without hurting the feelings of your photographer friend who took them. If you were to go behind his back and he later discovers it, assuredly he will be annoyed, hurt or miffed since you went behind his back; additionally, he'll feel you tampered with HIS work, and do remember, that the person who takes the photo is the artistic owner as well as rightful patent holder, too.

Your friend will be pleased to hear that you liked them, and perhaps you should make it clear that you do like his work, maybe ask if you can recommend others to him (family members, friends, etc). In the same conversation, using utmost subtly, you might suggest that it was suggested by others that you have those very nice images retouched to lighten or eliminate the obvious blemishes, and ask what he thinks about it. Regardless of what he responds, thank him and do not hold a grudge against him. Artists are often somewhat sensitive and some even temperamental about their work, and photographers take pride in being artists (some more than others).

It's admirable that you care about his feelings. Here's something for you to consider: he may have left your images untouched for fear of hurting your feelings about your appearance. So, it's OK if you speak with him as a friend. Good luck and best wishes.

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Yes, we’ll, you are anonymous today, and as you may be aware that the person that takes photos aside from the camera itself owns the digital photos or negatives, That is where you figure out if you signed contract, and what defines a friend, a few limiters to the circumstances,
You are best to talk to person, so to understand each other about touch ups, and posting online or printing, to one it might not mean anything, to another, is is not so easy to define.
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YOU should not have to retouch them. That is the job of any competent photographer. It should have been decided before he ever presented you with the photos if you wanted them retouched or not.

As the situation is now, what you should do is ask him if HE can retouch the photos to clear up your skin. If he says no or simply cannot do it, then you have an easy and valid reason for doing it yourself, and something he cannot have any problem with. If HE cannot do it, then it is a strong reflection on HIM as a rank amateur who should not be taking anyone's photos. Such basic retouching is now pretty much a standard part of any photo shoot. HE is the one at blame here, NOT you. He, frankly, should feel very embarrassed and un-professional that YOU have to do his work for him.